A Warwick man was killed when his motorcycle struck a pole on West Shore Road on Wednesday night.

Frank M. Rosa, 56, was pronounced deceased at the scene after emergency personnel responded at approximately 7:47 p.m., according to a release from Warwick Police Lt. Michael Gilbert.

According to the lieutenant, it was unclear early Thursday whether speed or other factors played a role in the crash. Witnesses have told police of a blue Mustang possibly seen speeding in the area shortly before it occurred, and investigators are working to determine whether that vehicle may have played a role.

Gilbert said the preliminary investigation found Rosa was traveling east on West Shore Road just east of Sandy Lane when he lost control of the motorcycle, rode along the curb and eventually struck a pole at the Coleman Street intersection.

Rosa – who police say was not wearing a helmet at the time – was thrown from the motorcycle and landed in the roadway.

Anyone with information regarding the crash is asked to contact the Warwick department’s Traffic Division at 401-468-4343. The Traffic Division’s Accident Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation.